How to Pronounce Quintessential

To pronounce "quintessential", say quint-ess-ENT-ial — 4 syllables, IPA /ˌkwɪntɪˈsɛnʃəɫ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

quintessential

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/ˌkwɪntɪˈsɛnʃəɫ/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/kwˌɪntɪsˈɛnʃəl/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “quintessential”

Break "quintessential" into 4 beats and lean on "ENT" — that's the stressed one. It rhymes with essential and consequential, if that helps it stick.

What does quintessential mean?

adjective

Of the nature of a quintessence (in all senses); ultimate.

Hear “quintessential” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with quintessential

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

essential consequential inconsequential potential deferential influential providential torrential tangential sequential reverential confidential

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "quintessential"?▾

"Quintessential" has 4 syllables: quint · ess · ent · ial.

What is the IPA transcription of "quintessential"?▾

The IPA transcription of "quintessential" is /ˌkwɪntɪˈsɛnʃəɫ/.

What does "quintessential" mean?▾

Quintessential: Of the nature of a quintessence (in all senses); ultimate.

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